Veteran coach has high hopes for Hornets
ASHLAND, Maine — The Hornets have had all three phases of the game working this season and the result through the first 13 games was a 9-4 record and top-six position in the Class D North softball standings.
Ashland concluded its regular season Tuesday with a home game against Wisdom. The playoffs get underway next week and the team is assured a home preliminary game.
Terry Hunter is in the midst of his 19th season as the head coach and including his time as an assistant has been with the program for nearly a quarter of a century. He says this year’s team has been up to the challenge due to a strong offense, a consistent defense and solid pitching displayed throughout the spring.
The Hornets bested LCS/MSSM early in the season, handing the Class C Eagles one of their two losses. They also have managed a victory over Southern Aroostook, the current No. 2 team in Class D. Hunter said his team is certainly capable of being a factor in the post-season.
“I believe in this team and I am sure they believe in themselves,” Hunter said. “We need to do what we have been doing best all season — keep the errors down, throw strikes and hit the ball hard with hopes that it falls in.
“As long as they are giving their all, win or lose, it will have been a great season,” he added.
Ashland has several veterans who have led the charge. The leadoff hitter is Caitlin Paradis, a senior who owns the school record for assists by a catcher. She had a game this season in which she threw out four baserunners and offensively is a standout as evidenced by her .510 batting average and .608 on-base percentage.
“She is one of the best game-smart players I have ever coached,” Hunter said.
No. 3 hitter Laura Sturgeon, another senior, gives the Hornets an extra-base threat while manning either shortstop or third base.
“She has a great glove, a powerful arm and can hit the ball with massive power and is also a clutch hitter who you want up when you need a hit,” said Hunter, adding that she owns a .500 batting average with an .800 slugging percentage.
Junior Cassidy Pelletier was an all-star shortstop the previous two seasons, but has moved into the pitching circle and has been outstanding in her new role.
She bats fourth in the lineup and leads the Hornets in batting average at .512.
Amber Chasse, a sophomore, has had an injury-riddled career with three knee surgeries, but has been able to play a varsity sport for the first time and has been an asset. She is a solid defender at first base, bats second in the lineup and had a game-winning hit in a recent game against Washburn.
The remainder of the starting lineup includes senior designated hitter Whitney Page, who homered in the win over LCS/MSSM; sophomore center fielder Morgan Doughty, a great all-around player; freshman third baseman/backup catcher Olivia Tardie, who carries a .444 batting average; sophomore right fielder Micayla Driscoll, second on the team in stolen bases; senior left fielder Savannah Flint, a four-year player who excels in the field with her speed; and senior second baseman Samantha Watt, another defensive specialist.
Other players on the team are Cassie Bolstridge, a senior second baseman; Gabbie Wortman, a junior outfielder; and Briana Harris, a sophomore outfielder. Carly Fredericks is the manager and the assistant coaches are Tammy Donovan and Hope Doughty.
